Linoleic Acid for Your Skin
Linoleic Acid for Your Skin
Omega-6 fatty acids have many positive functions, especially for the skin, and should therefore not be missing from your diet or your beauty routine.
Much is generally known about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for the body, but there are other unsaturated fatty acids that are just as essential for the body. Linoleic acid is one of those substances that we should definitely know more about. After all, it has many positive effects on the body and also ensures beautiful skin.
What is linoleic acid?
Linoleic acid belongs to the double unsaturated fatty acids and belongs to the group of omega-6 fatty acids. Just like omega-3 fatty acids, the body cannot make linoleic acid itself. For the production of other omega-6 fatty acids, however, linoleic acid is enough, which is of course all the more important. It is not only important as the basic building block of other substances in the body, linoleic acid also has important functions for the skin. There it occurs, among other things, in the ceramides, which are involved in the structure of the epidermis, the top layer of skin, maintain the skin barrier and protect the skin from drying out. Linoleic acid is therefore essential for radiant skin and hair.
How is linoleic acid used?
Linoleic acid occurs naturally in many foods; it is found in particularly high concentrations in vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower and evening primrose seed oil. Many oils have a share of more than 50 percent. According to the German Nutrition Society, 2.5 percent of daily food energy should come from omega-6 fatty acids. Since linoleic acid lowers cholesterol, it is essential for nutrition. Linoleic acid is not only effective from the inside; thanks to its positive properties, it is also used externally in many cosmetic products for skin care.
What positive effects does linoleic acid have?
Linoleic acid stabilizes the structures of the cell membranes and the skin. For this reason, it also makes up about 20% of all fatty acids found in healthy skin. If this percentage decreases, the skin becomes flaky, dry and inelastic. However, since essential fatty acids cannot be formed in the body or the skin, they have to be supplied via vegetable oils (e.g. in sunflower, safflower and evening primrose seed oil) or in pure form. When used in a cream containing linoleic acid, they are directly available for the skin to regenerate and maintain its functionality.
In skin care products, linoleic acid initially provides a lot of moisture, but it has a lot more to offer. In particular, skin problems that are caused by inflammation can be treated with products that contain the wonder drug. Linoleic acid has an anti-inflammatory effect and can thus successfully combat acne, psoriasis and neurodermatitis. Skin pigmentation and photodamage can also be treated with linoleic acid products. The substance can also be used against blackheads and reduce their size.